It is a trip that Unai Emery is relishing.

"It’s our big motivation on Thursday to play there," the Aston Villa manager said ahead of his side's visit to St James' Park.

Emery could not have been more complimentary. The Spaniard is anticipating a 'very difficult' game against Newcastle United, who he 'respects a lot'.

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Emery even highlighted how Geordies have helped turn St James' into a 'very strong' stadium. Forward Morgan Rogers, similarly, said there was 'no tougher game probably on Boxing Day than Newcastle away'.

Remarkably, this will be the first time these sides have ever met at St James' on December 26. Although the fixture computer throwing up such a clash is part and parcel of the game, a trip to Tyneside at this time of year was Gabby Agbonlahor's biggest fear as a player.

"I used to always check the fixtures for Boxing Day," the former Aston Villa forward told talkSPORT. "If you had Newcastle away, you were like, 'Ughh. We're going to have to leave early on Christmas Day maybe and spend Christmas Day in a hotel.' Horrible."

Newcastle players, obviously, won't have to travel on Christmas Day, but the black-and-whites will be in for training. Newcastle have the chance to leapfrog Aston Villa in the table with a win and Eddie Howe knows the importance of this game.

"The challenge for us is to try and get everyone in the best frame of mind possible," the Newcastle boss added. "I think we've seen from the whole squad an improvement from the start of the season to now.

"We're in a much better place, but it's important that we don't get distracted, especially at this time of year. The focus is on the games. We've got some brilliant games on paper for everyone to really attack and enjoy, but we will only enjoy them if we're at our best."